MNRE Invites Proposals for Testing Hydrogen Fuel Buses in NCR

MNRE has invited preliminary project proposals for pilot demonstration of 4 hydrogen fuel cell powered buses in the Delhi-NCR region.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been supporting R&D and demonstration projects in hydrogen and fuel cells area, this includes several projects for development and demonstration of hydrogen fuelled vehicles.

A pilot project for running fuel cell buses in India’s urban setting would be beneficial in terms of adding experience with the technology as well bringing out potential issues relating to regulations, standardisation, safety, and integration of entire hydrogen production, storage and dispensing infrastructure with transport applications.

In the above background, the MNRE has invited preliminary project proposals for pilot demonstration of 4 hydrogen fuel cell powered buses, with minimum 25 passenger seating capacity, in the Delhi-NCR region.

The preliminary proposals will be examined by a committee duly constituted for the purpose, and shortlisted proposers will be invited to submit the final proposal.

The overarching objective is to acquire know-how for the operation of hydrogen fuel cell powered transportation. Specific objectives are:

• To demonstrate fuel cell vehicle technology by operating and testing the vehicles under real-world conditions in Delhi-NCR; and,
• To explore prospects for commercialization, identifying potential techno-economic hurdles and proposing solutions.

The scope of the project will include:

• Pilot demonstration of 4 numbers of hydrogen fuel cell powered buses, with minimum 25 passenger seating capacity, in the Delhi-NCR region operation for a period of five years;
• Refuelling and upkeep of the buses;
• Obtaining requisite statuary permits, clearances and ensuring safety requirements; and
• Collecting performance data.

The last date for submission of the preliminary proposals is August 18, 2019.

MNRE, of late, has been involved in the promotion and development of the more unconventional sources of renewable energy and green fuels. In June, the ministry had invited project proposals for “Solar-driven seawater hydrogen production and producing methane by sequestering CO2”. Before that, it had invited proposals for exploring the potential of gravity-based energy storage systems.

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